Sofia Benigno
Tune in to this Advent season’s Sacred Stories with junior Sofia Benigno: Hear her lifelong love story with the piano and how that musical talent has helped Sofia see herself through God’s eyes:
“I cried instantly because in that moment, my father saw nothing but his daughter. And that’s how God sees me, too. Yes, God notices the gifts I offer back to him. He’s grateful for it and he thinks it’s beautiful. But God also sees the heart that opens up in song, the determination behind my composing, the trust with which I close my eyes and play. As my fingers play a love story on the black and white keys, I feel some small participation in the creative power of God.”
In this season of gift-giving, we remember that God gave us all our gifts, and he gave me another one on a piano bench in this little corner of the universe. May we encounter Christ this season in the melody of our hearts as God sings his Word into our weary world.
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Such a wonderful testimonial… thank you and may you have peace this Advent season
Beautiful story and outstanding young woman
If this first story is any indication of what’s to come it’s going to be another season of beautiful, heart-touching stories. God bless you all for sharing your stories with us.
ND parent
What a beautiful beginning to this wonderful season of Advent. Thank you for sharing
I don’t actually know why Sofia’s story brought tears to my eyes or the feeling that my heart swelled but they both did! It might be that her story was such a beautiful tribute to God, her church/school community, her faith and love of family. I just appreciated her sacred story just evidence that our world has many bright faith lights to cherish. Thank you for sharing!
My feelings and reactions were so much similar to Karen’s. This is like a miraculous response to my desire to meditate differently this Advent Thanks to all who shared this gift
Sofia,
bless you for the beautiful woman, child, and daughter that you are. I am thankful too for my beautiful daughter today on her birthday.
God bless you.
Lovely and talented young lady. Delighted she chose Notre Dame and vice versa.
Beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration. T
Absolutely perfect advent testimony to start the season! Thank you for sharing your God given talent with all of us!
Beautiful reflection Sofia. Thank you for starting my Advent season on such a hopeful note. May God bless your time at Our Lady’s University and speak to others through your gift of music.
God has certainly blessed you, Sophia, with a gift to share with others by bringing God’s love for His people through your music.
May He continue to pour out His blessings and Graces on you and the others whose stories will surely bring hope to people in so need of brightness in our dark world.
Wow, what a lovely and spiritually uplifting story. To me, that is the equivalent of returning an interception 99 or 100 yards for a touchdown, and probably more meaningful. You have blessed us with your talents, Sofia.
I have been looking forward all year to the Advent series. Just beautiful – thank you for the inspiration and sharing Gods love.
Oh that we all can be known for how we live our life, only the best version of our life we can be!
Thankyou for sharing your story….
Uplifting, inspirational, loving, and amazing.
Lovely beyond words 🌹
So moved by your story. Such a blessing to discover your God given talent, perfect it and then give it back as a ministry.
What a beautiful story. It brought me to tears as I reflected on my own daughter who went to be with Jesus some two years ago. How I wish I could have her back to tell her one more time how much I love her. But I am now inspired to treasure the time I have with my surviving daughter and also my precious granddaughters whom were left to our care. Thank you for sharing, Sofia. God bless you
What a wonderful way to start advent, even more special because you are a Whirlwind! Continue to share of yourself. Thank you
Beautiful story and beginning to the season! Thank you for sharing and a wonderful Christmas season to you!
My great aunt who was a gifted pianist started to teach me the piano when I was young. It is such a wonderful gift. I only wish that I had kept up with it instead of turning to the guitar.
What a beautiful gift! Thank you Sofia for sharing your story!
Remarkable love story, thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful Advent beginning! Thank you, Sofia for your delight in knowing God’s marvelous love and gifts!
what a beautiful lovely story and beginning to the Advent season. thank you so much Sophia.
Bravo! What a blessed gift to the world.
A beautiful way, a peaceful way to begin this Advent/Christmas Season.
Thanks, Sofia, from a former Walsh Hall resident (class of ’72).
Tom
What a beautiful start to Advent. Sophia, thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with others. You are a shining example of God’s gifts.
This is truly something beautiful.
Thank you Sophia for this beautiful
Story to begin this Advent season . The joy and happiness you find from music and sharing this gift through ministry is so moving.
God bless you and may you continue on this journey as you go forward in life.
It is good to remember that God gives us small gifts and memories throughout our lives that we should be thankful for. Thanks Sofia for sharing one of yours.
I echo the other comments. And how the student becomes the great teacher!
Thank you Sofia for the holiday Advent message and the true meaning of this holy season. Keep up the effort fulfill those dreams at Notre Dame!! Mary – Queen of Peace Pray For Us!! God , Country, Notre Dame!!
Sofia
Thank you for your beautiful reflection. God’s grace is indeed present through the beautiful gifts that surround us daily. Thank you for sharing yours to spread joy
Have a blessed Advent
This is a beautiful testimony of using God’s gifts to bring further glory to Him. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing g your beautiful story and Fur Elise. Lovely
Best one of these reflections that I’ve seen. Thank you, Sofia, for this personal and insightful reflection.
Beautiful message
Beautiful. Thank you
ND ‘72
Sophia, you make my heart swell. Thank you for your spirit and for sharing such a personal experience will all of us. It is the perfect reflection to start my advent.
So beautiful beyond words. My granddaughter is in the same ballgame. Hopefully she can mirror Sofia in what she accomplishes.
Beautiful!
You are a wonderful pianist. Please check out pianobrothers.com.
They are Domers who put out good piano albums. I especially recommend their Christmas CD.
Mike Jack
Class of 72
Well, if this is how this year’s Season of Advent stories are gonna be, I’m totally psyched…talk about hitting it it out of the park on the first pitch! Nice…god’s blessings
Thank You. May we each Appreciate our Gifts more fully and utilize them for Goodness.